About ΛXA

The History of Alpha-Gamma Zeta

One of the younger Fraternities on USD’s Campus, Lambda Chi Alpha was originally founded at USD in 1914 as a Local Fraternity – Sigma Delta Upsilon (from the initials “S-D-U” for “South Dakota University”). Having obtained significant membership and with the support of a number of USD Faculty (Professor R.G. Wellington and Dr. R.D. Elliot), Sigma Delta Upsilon began the process of petitioning the National General Fraternity, Delta Upsilon for a charter.

Before too long, another National General Fraternity contacted the men of Sigma Delta Upsilon to offer them a charter instead. Barely 5 years old, Lambda Chi Alpha brought into the fold a group of like-minded, ambitious gentleman to shape The University of South Dakota and the State of South Dakota itself. On April 14th, 1916, our Chapter received its charter as the Alpha-Gamma Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.

Throughout the years, a number of well-known and successful men from all walks of life have passed through our doorways. Our Chapters boasts brothers such as 4 South Dakota Governors including current Governor, Dennis Daugaard, Texas Representative Kevin Brady, current USD President James Abbott, and many more.

For nearly 100 proud years, our members have served our chapter, our university, our community, our state, and our country. Having initiated nearly 2000 brothers, we are honored to be a part of such a legacy and will continue to serve as best we are able.

Academic Excellence

Lambda Chi Alpha puts a high emphasis on Academic Excellence. For years, we have maintained at least a GPA .3 points higher that non-Greek Men. Our Chapter also contains a great number of academic majors and minors from all Academic Schools. Whatever your major may be, whatever class you may be enrolled in, we are confident that a brother will be able to help!

Philanthropy

Believing Philanthropy and Community Service to be some of the greatest ways to assist our community and those who are not able, Lambda Chi Alpha actively assists Feeding America. Over the past two years we have donated thousands of pounds to Vermillion’s Local Food Pantry and over 40,000 pounds to the hungry nationwide. This is not the only way that we assist however. Our Chapter also routinely supports other Greek philanthropy interests.o.

Core Values

Our Core Values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service & Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Through these values (which spell out the acronym “Leadership”), we hope to grow as leaders within and beyond the college walls. Currently, Lambda Chis occupy the Presidency and one Senator position of USD’s Student Government Association, multiple positions of USD’s Campus Activities Board, and three of the five Executive Positions on the Interfraternity Council!

Brotherhood

It’s often hard to describe Brotherhood but you can imagine what it is like to live in a house filled with your best friends. While we all may come from different walks of life, have different major or different interests, we have all come together through Lambda Chi Alpha to grow as friends and as brothers.